Major Housing Development Proposed for Surrey's Scott Road Area
The City of Surrey is advancing plans for a significant rental housing project on municipal land adjacent to the Scott Road SkyTrain Station, marking another phase in the transformation of this historically industrial corridor. The proposal calls for the construction of three six-storey apartment buildings containing a total of 452 rental suites, with a substantial portion designated as affordable housing.
Strategic Location and Project Details
The development site encompasses 11,870 square metres of city-owned property located on the south side of 110 Avenue, directly across 126A Street from the North Surrey Sport and Ice Complex. This prime location is approximately 240 metres north of the Scott Road SkyTrain Station, representing a convenient five-minute walk for future residents. The area has been identified within transit village study parameters, aligning with broader municipal goals to create vibrant, mixed-use residential neighborhoods with enhanced access to services and public transportation.
According to the city's proposal, the project will include 27 studio apartments, 326 one-bedroom dwellings, and 99 two-bedroom units. A noteworthy component involves 90 below-market rental units, constituting twenty percent of the total development. These affordable units will be priced at rates below thirty percent of the median total income for families in the local market, addressing critical housing accessibility concerns in a region experiencing rapid population growth.
Transforming an Industrial Corridor
This development represents the latest evolution in the ongoing revitalization of the Scott Road vicinity, which has long functioned as an industrial passageway to the SkyTrain and Pattullo Bridge. In recent years, the area has witnessed substantial changes with the introduction of new apartment buildings, the North Surrey Sport and Ice Complex, diverse dining establishments, entertainment venues like arcades, and various commercial services. The current site, utilized as a kabaddi sports field—a game with South Asian origins that enjoys popularity in Surrey—will be relocated to another municipal property to accommodate the housing initiative.
The city's housing needs report for 2025 underscores the urgency of such projects, estimating that thirty-eight percent of new housing supply in Surrey must be rental to meet demographic demands. "Surrey has a diverse, young and fast-growing population, and the city plays an important role in developing new housing for the Metro Vancouver region," states the municipal report, highlighting the strategic importance of this development.
Community Amenities and Design Evolution
Beyond residential units, the project incorporates several community-focused amenities. Plans include commercial space on the ground floor of the northern building facing 110 Avenue, while the central building along 126A Street will feature childcare facilities with dedicated play areas. The development will also provide 392 vehicle parking stalls, with the majority of residential parking situated underground and additional spaces allocated for commercial and childcare uses at ground level.
The concept has undergone considerable refinement through multiple city council discussions, originally envisioning 350 units before expanding to the current 452-unit proposal. This evolution reflects both the growing housing needs in Surrey and the city's commitment to optimizing publicly owned land for community benefit. As this project moves forward, it exemplifies how municipal initiatives can directly address housing affordability while supporting transit-oriented development principles in rapidly urbanizing areas.
